Lifestyle risk

30 is a good age to do something about dementia

How we live at the age of 30 determines our state of health at 70 or 80.

(Bild: Rojsek-Wiedergut Uta)

In Austria, around 130,000 to 150,000 people suffer from dementia. Scientists expect this number to double by 2050. Dementia is not only hereditary, our lifestyle also has a major influence on the risk of developing the disease. Innsbruck researchers shed light on this. 

The number of dementia patients is increasing rapidly. One of the reasons for this is that people are living longer and longer. But not only! "Our lifestyle determines the risk of dementia much more than previously thought," says Christine Bandtlow, Vice Rector for Research at the Medical University of Innsbruck.

Dementia is not something fated that we can do nothing about. On the contrary: we can do a lot for our brain health.

Christine Bandtlow

45 percent of the risk is in our own hands
In addition to genetic predisposition, we have 45 percent of the risk in our own hands. Bandtlow: "Dementia is not something fated that we can do nothing about. On the contrary: we can do a lot for our brain health."

Vice-Rector Christine Bandtlow (center) with researchers Susanne Kaser (left) and Katharina Hüfner, who will be giving free lectures on brain health.

(Bild: MUI/D. Bullock)

Studies prove positive effect
But what do you have to do at a young age? A healthy diet, exercise, social contacts and avoiding too much sugar and stress are among the important tips from the doctors. Bandtlow: "The positive effect of these measures on our brain has now been proven by studies." 

What helps against dementia helps against many brain diseases. The researchers at MedUni Vienna will be providing information about this in free lectures during "Brain Week" from March 10 to 14. The lectures can be followed live or online. Other topics besides dementia prevention include the effects of diabetes on the brain and the positive effects of sport and meditation.

All information on the "Brain Week" program is available online at: www.i-med.ac.at/gehirn